Margaret Black (nee Otto)

Margaret passed away at East-Gate Lodge Personal Care home where she had been a resident since March 2020. Left behind is her devoted, heartbroken husband of 65 years, Bill Black, and her children: Kelvin (Cathy); Reg (Myrna) and Charlene. Grandchildren: Kurtis (Kayla); Mallory (Brendan); Jared and Shay (Matt). Great-grandchildren: Kieanna; Landon; Liam, Rylee and Aiden.

Margaret grew up in Thalberg as the second eldest child of Fred and Frieda Otto. She is survived by her siblings Gerry; Gordon (Joan); Ernie (Leona); Art; Esther (Les) Kurbis; Linda Kuehn and Lorne (Pat).

Also mourning her loss are in-laws Elaine Baker, Marlene Baker, Gordon (Darlene) Black, Bev Otto and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by grandson Jordon; son-in-law Ken Pochinko; brothers Clarence, Vernon (Brenda) and in-laws Ella Otto, Felix Kuehn, Nick Baker, Marion Baker and Larry and Daphne Black.

Growing up on a farm, and as the oldest daughter in a family of ten kids, Mom quickly learned the hard work farming entails and helped raise her younger siblings. As a young woman, she moved to Winnipeg to work for Kimberly Clark. Soon after, one by one - several of her brothers and sisters would work there as well. From that short stint working in the big city, lifelong friendships were formed, and many happy memories of the good times remained.

Then into the picture, came the handsome and wily Bill Black. Let the adventure begin! And oh, what an adventure it has been! Steadfast by his side, Mom was partner and sidekick through all their life’s journey together. Accountant, payroll clerk, secretary, dairy farmer, sheep farmer, building mover, butcher, antique dealer and scrapper are just a few of the jobs she held when working with her husband. Together, they were a team that could not be separated. Their love and endurance “in sickness and in health” for one another has truly been an example to us all.

As a young couple, they were striking dance partners. Mom would don her silver dancing slippers, and together they would dance the night away to old time music. They loved to entertain or visit family and friends. Many card games have been played – always with much, much laughter and good times. Prior to her health’s decline, they would travel to visit family in BC and to go on bus trips to the East Coast, Branson, Nevada and an Alaskan cruise.

Mom loved music and gardening. She could play the organ and accordion. She was a choir member of Trinty Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran Church for several years. Mom was known for her beautiful flower beds and unique style of planting and arranging flowers in all sorts of planters, pots, kettles, and various antique type containers.

In her retirement years, Mom volunteered at the Beausejour Food Bank where she again formed lasting friendships with the other volunteers.

Mom was well read and had a sharp memory. She could do crosswords, tell you a phone number, address, or birthdate without having to look it up. She amazed people by having a keen knack of remembering license plate numbers and telling them what part of Manitoba a car was from by the sequence of letters on the plate!

And then – the change. Eleven years ago, a shift. Subtle at first, then more prominent, then debilitating. It has been heart wrenching to watch our vibrant Mother fade from us and be forced to live away from her beloved Bill and home. Alzheimer’s’ is a terrible disease. So many tears have fallen over the years as we watched, helpless, as first her mind slipped, and then her body began to fail. She was in so much pain.

The management and staff at East Gate Lodge have been outstanding in their compassionate care given to our Mother. In lieu of flowers or anyone wishing to contribute a donation in Mom’s name, we ask that you please consider donating to the Beausejour Hospital/Eastgate Lodge Fund-Brokenhead River Community Foundation; Box 2225; Beausejour, MB; R0E 0C0. Or - Etransfer: brcf@brcfoundation.ca

As per Mom’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Cremation has taken place, and a private burial will be announced at a later date. We are indebted to the Sobering Funeral Chapel staff who have been very helpful in assisting us during this extremely emotional time.

Our Mother will be remembered for her kindness, devotion to family, her wry sense of humor, special “Auntie Margaret” hugs and of course – her famous Puffed Wheat Cake! Hundreds of puff wheat cakes were given to family and friends when she came to visit. It is delicious – and never falls apart!

Mom, your spirit and broken body has left us – but the memories of who you used to be will never fade.

We are so sad you are gone, and at the same time, grateful you are free. ‘Till we meet again Mom, rest in peace.

And as Dad would say, “I’ll see ya later Maggie!”

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